The '56 and earlier rear end with a dropout is the 8 1/4", not to be confused with the later 8 1/4" that fit into an 8 3/4" housing or the later yet 8 1/4" non-dropout. It dates back to 1937 or so.

The pre-'57 8 1/4" carrier has 11 bolts attaching it to the housing, the 8 3/4" has 10.


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